On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) antique Vanity Fair athletics caricature "Fitz.", showing William Fitzherbert (later Sir William Fitzherbert, 7th Baronet, 1874–1963), a prominent Cambridge University athlete and President of the Cambridge University Athletic Club (CUAC).

DATE PRINTED: 1896, dated on the print.

SIZE: The printed area of the view, including titles, is approximately 20.5 x 36 cm, 8.25 x 14 inches (medium) plus margins.

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Spy. Sir Leslie Matthew Ward (21 November 1851 – 15 May 1922 London) was a British portrait artist and caricaturist who over four decades painted 1,325 portraits which were regularly published by Vanity Fair, under the pseudonyms "Spy" and "Drawl". The portraits were produced as watercolours and turned into chromolithographs for publication in the magazine.  

PROVENANCE:  A print published in Vanity Fair, 1896.  Vanity Fair was a British weekly magazine that was published from 1868 to 1914. Founded by Thomas Gibson Bowles in London, the magazine included articles on fashion, theatre, current events as well as word games and serial fiction. The cream of the period’s "society magazines", it is best known for its witty prose and caricatures of famous people of Victorian and Edwardian society, including artists, athletes, royalty, statesmen, scientists, authors, actors, business people and scholars.

TYPE: Antique chromolithograph printed on paper.

VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side which is blank.

CONDITION: Good, suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian paper is subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not significant unless otherwise stated.   

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic antique print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy.  The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique.

RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition.

POSTAGE / SHIPPING COSTS: I only charge postage for the first print ordered. There is no additional postage charge if you order more than one print.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: William Fitzherbert (later Sir William Fitzherbert, 7th Baronet, 1874–1963) was a prominent Cambridge University athlete and President of the Cambridge University Athletic Club (CUAC), famously featured in a 1896 Vanity Fair "Spy" cartoon. Educated at Charterhouse, he was a key figure in mid-1890s athletics, known for his performances in the quarter-mile.

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